The complete package

It is vital to ensure that nothing is overlooked in estate administration, says Fraser & Fraser

By handling each case thoroughly and with meticulous attention to detail, Fraser & Fraser’s services are designed to help minimise risks, maximise estate value and achieve high levels of
client satisfaction.

When potential case details, such as a family tree, have been submitted, it is essential to check them to avoid mistakes further down the line when the estate is being distributed. It is important to determine whether or not there are any gaps and/or inconsistencies that may require more extensive research.

As part of the Free Research Assessment for each potential referral, we look at the current family tree and assess whether or not it is complete and accurate.

Nil rate band document service

It is possible to transfer any unused portion of a predeceased spouse or civil partner’s inheritance tax threshold, the nil rate band. To prove the transferability of this allowance, the following documentation is necessary the predeceased partner’s death certificate,
the predeceased partner’s probate (or a statement that none was found), and the couple’s marriage certificate.

Bypass the time-consuming task of searching through public records by using the service we provide. This way you can proceed with other demands, safe in the knowledge that the documents you need will
soon be on their way. We can obtain:

• UK birth, marriage and death certificates (going back to 1837 in England & Wales, 1855 in Scotland)

• adoption certificates (going back to 1927 in England & Wales, 1930 in Scotland)

• registered civil partnership certificates (going back to 2005 in England & Wales, 2004 in Scotland); and

• wills and Grants of Representation (going back
  to 1858; and decree absolute (going back to 1857).

Property management services

In many cases, the most valuable asset of an estate is the property and as always when dealing with property there is a great deal to think about. Whether you are dealing with just one property or a complex portfolio, take the difficulties out and leave it to us. We can help with probate valuations, empty property insurance, and property management and security.

Fraser & Fraser manage the sale of property, streamlining the process and making it quicker. We choose estate agents carefully based on their performance and their locality to the property. To minimise risks, and keep the process moving, we coordinate the communication between you and
the buyer’s solicitor, their agent and financial adviser.

Probate insurance

It is important to protect yourself and your firm, and speed up the estate administration process by taking

out probate insurance for the following:

• To get preferential premiums based on the
  success of our excellent research performance
  over the years.

• To gain peace of mind that you are protected from unpredictable or unforeseeable events.

• To protect administrators, executors and trustees from post-distribution claims.

• To protect yourself and your firm, and speed up
  the administration process.

And it is always advisable to take out ‘missing will insurance’ when a valid will is located on an estate believed to be an intestacy, or a more recent valid will is found on testate estate after distribution. We can also arrange ‘missing beneficiary insurance’, so that if an unknown beneficiary comes forward after the estate has been distributed, you will be protected. We use multiple insurance providers and provide competitive quotes.

You will often need to locate missing heirs in the UK or overseas. Each case is unique so it is important that you have the opportunity to choose from four different fee options. We have an in-house team of case managers and researchers, alongside a worldwide network of agents to undertake overseas research.

To find out how we can help, call 020 7832 1430 or email legal@fraserandfraser.co.uk

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